I chose cognitive decline for my assessment. “Cognitive” means the ability to think; so cognitive decline means a decrease in one’s ability to think. This includes all mental functions, including memory, calculation, verbal ability, abstraction and judgment. As people age, increasing numbers suffer from this. Cognitive decline is more common with older individuals over the age of seventy. This particular illness, by itself doesn’t cause death, however; it can most certainly have great impact on ones quality of life, and to some extent become a burden to loved ones. Why? it has to do with mental health, stability. It has been referenced and categorized through the public, not doctors-with dementia, and often with Alzheimer’s, but it is not- cognitive decline indicates a decrease in the ability to think. Dementia and Alzheimer’s is much more of a decline- in fact with these two it is more like a down fall in and of mental capacity, not thinking alone like the cognitive decline- which is gradual. Although Alzheimer’s is present in about half of these cases, however; there seem to be few real differences in the risk factors compared to those not associated with Alzheimer’s. The main risk factors associated with cognitive decline include: hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, lack of exercise- both mental and physical, and many other dietary and laboratory factors. Overall, up to 90% of the causes of cognitive decline are under our control. And, of course there are the factors that aren’t under our control- such as heredity, genetics and/or family history, also environmental hazards/ exposures or behaviors that happened and/or occurred in the past. Those you can control include our current and future behavior, including diet and exercise, and the current and future environmental exposures- like tobacco smoke. To know these factors doesn’t necessarily mean it can’t happen however; being aware is always a good thing to know. The best defense against cognitive decline is to avoid getting it in the first place. That’s why awareness is so important- know what can happen, and prepare for can happen by following what you know is best for you. To lower the risk of cognitive decline avoid cigars- as these have a more detrimental and more harmful type of nicotine in them, and as one cigar is equivalent to smoking a whole pack of cigarettes. Also, exercise for a minimum of three hours a week. As exercise has a number of benefits including cardiovascular, colon cancer, diabetes, etc.
Also, eat fish often. Twice a week is beneficial. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids and also reduces ability for blood clots to form and clog the small arteries of the brain.
Tea, drinking on average of one cup of tea a day can regularly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Tea, both green and black, contains natural chemicals known as “flavonoids” that appear to protect brain function. These are also found in most fruits and vegetables, and appear to protect against heart disease of the arteries that supply the brain. These risk factors are very similar- as you’re avoiding heart disease you are simultaneously protecting yourself from cognitive decline. Because behavior is a major contributor to cognitive decline risk, every healthful change that you make can lower your risk further.